annona
annona Lexical Profile
annona Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various tropical American trees or shrubs of the genus Annona, or the large, typically sweet and fleshy fruit they produce, such as the soursop, cherimoya, or custard apple.
"The local market featured stalls piled high with fresh tropical fruits, including ripe annonas that were incredibly sweet and custard-like."
In ancient Rome, the food supply (especially grain) established for the sustenance of the city, or a tax levied in kind to provide this supply.
"The emperor appointed a special prefect to manage the annona and ensure that Rome's growing population did not suffer from grain shortages."
• Rhymes for annona
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A homograph with two distinct origins. The botanical sense derives from the Taíno word 'anon' via Spanish. The historical Roman sense comes from the Latin 'annona' (yearly produce or grain crop), derived from 'annus' (year).